The helicopter and fixed wing flying lessons I received for my 18th birthday confirmed my passion in the mechanics of flight. When I was younger I would spend hours building model planes from Lego or kits. These were great fun – but they didn’t fly. I was driven to know what made them seemingly defy the Laws of Nature. I read anything about planes and helicopters I could lay my hands on, and then built my own remote-controlled aircraft.
As my fascination extended to the increasingly sophisticated computers that control modern-day flight, I became frustrated by the lack of speed of our family computer, and used my own savings to build my own computer from scratch. I still remember the sense of achievement when I hit the Power button for the first time and the computer sprang to life.
It was perhaps the desire to apply theory to real life situations that meant I enjoyed the mechanics module of A-level Mathematics, as well as the mechanics and theory in A-level Physics. Physics has always been one of my strongest subjects as it allows me to exercise my inquisitive nature. I naturally enjoy learning and applying science, both proven and theoretical, to problems and how it can be used to explain the workings of the world around us. While mathematics and physics are the main background skills needed for engineering, the increasing importance of computers means that skills learned during my I.C.T. A-level will be essential during a career in engineering.
I was appointed as a Prefect in my final year in senior school, and throughout, my studies have been carefully balanced with rugby and an active social life to ensure I got the most of my school years.
I loved the discipline and controlled aggression of Rugby, as well as the camaraderie of playing as part of a team. As well as turning out in the A-team for my school, I have captained my local club. Keen to share my own love of the game with those younger than me, including my own young cousin, I volunteered to assist coaching mini rugby at my local club. Sometimes, on a cold wet Sunday afternoon, there are a hundred other places I would rather be, but seeing the fun the kids have makes it all worthwhile. My desire to improve my skills has resulted in the completion of several coaching workshops, and plans to complete a Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Rugby Union.
I feel this demonstrates a strong desire and ability to lead, and a desire to throw myself at a challenge and improve my performance. Finding time for all my extra-curricular activities in addition to my school work also meant I needed to improve my time management, which I believe will be vital for succeeding in a tough university course.
My love of a physical challenge has also led me to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. I have completed the Silver award and am in the process of completing the Gold. What surprised me is that in addition to the physical challenges I was expecting, the Scheme has given me the chance to deal with unusual predicaments and work with a variety of people in the local community, including my volunteer work at a local animal sanctuary.
I feel that I am getting closer to my childhood dream of understanding how things fly, and hope to discover how modern materials, techniques and computers will make them fly higher, faster and safer.
I also know that, after the thrill of my first experience flying a helicopter and feeling it respond to my control that, whatever happens, it will not be my last.
